There’s been some headlines lately suggesting that Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico project is in, what we can (or can’t) call “trouble.” Construction is stopped. Environmental injunctions issued. Regulatory delays. So as many who are “Loyal to Royal” are waiting to book a cruise to be one of the first to experience this new destination, they’re beginning to wonder what’s actually going on?
The Short Version: Construction Hasn’t Started Yet
Here’s the key thing to understand: Perfect Day Mexico construction hasn’t been stopped because it hasn’t even begun! Royal Caribbean has stated that the project is still working through the federal environmental review process in Mexico, and that’s where things stand right now.
There’s been some confusion because two separate things got lumped together in much of the media coverage. The land Royal Caribbean purchased for Perfect Day Mexico includes an old, abandoned water park with rusting, unsafe structures that need to be torn down. Work on that demolition was temporarily suspended – but that’s a site cleanup issue, not the main construction project. Actual construction of Perfect Day Mexico can’t start until federal environmental approvals come through.
Additionally, a Cancún-based environmental group called DMAS (Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment) obtained a court injunction, not against Royal Caribbean directly, but to ensure the local municipality follows proper public input procedures for land use changes in the region. The small community of Mahahual sits smack dab next to the planned site, and this is largely about making sure locals have a voice in what goes on with the project.
So When Does Perfect Day Mexico Open?
The official answer right now is “fall 2027,” with an exact opening date to be announced sometime this year. Royal Caribbean originally mentioned they were shooting for September 2027, but has since backed away from committing to a specific month. If you’re looking to book a Costa Maya sailing in 2027, keep an eye on your itinerary as once an opening date is confirmed, those stops will be updated from “Costa Maya” to “Perfect Day Mexico.”
In the meantime, cruisers visiting Costa Maya in 2026 and most of 2027 will encounter some level of construction activity near the port area, but excursions to the village of Mahahual and the surrounding region will remain unaffected.
What Is Perfect Day Mexico?
If you loved Perfect Day at CocoCay, Perfect Day Mexico is set to be almost twice the size and packed with more amenities. It takes up more than 200 acres at the current Costa Maya port and is designed to have record-breaking attractions across seven distinct neighborhoods.
The centerpiece is Loco Waterpark, home to Jaguar’s Peak – the tallest waterslide tower in all of North and South America at over 170 feet tall. There will be more than 30 waterslides total across five towers, including the world’s first sombrero-shaped bowl slide and the longest coaster waterslide in the world.
Splash Cove will feature the world’s longest lazy river – an hour-long float complete with float-up bars and optional “crazy” sections with waves and rapids for those who want a little more excitement. There’s also a massive 100,000-square-foot pool at the center, plus a giant Splashaway Bay designed specifically for kids.
El Hideaway is the adults-only zone for guests 18 and over, with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar, and in-pool DJ.
There are also three beaches stretching nearly two miles, 12 eateries, 24 drinkeries (including six swim-up bars), and more than 10 pools. Admission is included in your cruise fare, similar to CocoCay, though cabanas, the waterpark, and excursions will cost extra.
This isn’t just another shore excursion destination – it’s key to Royal Caribbean’s long-term strategy. The cruise line’s CEO Michael Bayley has said he expects Perfect Day Mexico to ultimately welcome more guests than CocoCay, which pulled in around 3.5 million visitors in 2025. The ultimate goal is to make Western Caribbean itineraries as desirable as Eastern Caribbean sailings. Right now, there’s not a whole lot to attract people to take a Western Caribbean cruise, other than price.
Perfect Day Mexico is not canceled, not delayed in any dramatic sense, and definitely not in crisis mode. It’s in the permitting and environmental review phase, which is exactly where a project of this scale should be at this point and Royal Caribbean is confident it’s on track. Stay tuned for an official opening date announcement sometime in 2026 – and start getting excited, because when this thing opens, it’s going to be unlike anything the cruise industry has ever seen.